South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore injured his knee in the second quarter of the Gamecocks' game against Tennessee. / Jeff Blake, US Presswire

by Paul Myerberg, USA TODAY Sports

by Paul Myerberg, USA TODAY Sports

South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore suffered a gruesome knee injury during the second quarter of the Gamecocks' game against Southeastern Conference East rival Tennessee.

Bouncing a carry to the left side of the line, Lattimore was first hit high by a Tennessee defender at the line of scrimmage. Almost simultaneously, another Volunteer hit Lattimore at the midpoint of his right leg, bending the leg back and causing what appears to be a very significant injury.

After the Gamecocks held off Tennessee 38-35, South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier acknowledged Lattimore had a severe knee injury.

"Obviously, Marcus has got a severe knee injury, but we'll let the doctors tell you exactly what all it is later on," Spurrier said. "He's such a good, young man. Good things are going to happen for Marcus. I don't know exactly where and how."

Teammates were also shaken after the game, including receiver Ace Sanders, who teared up as he spoke about the injury.

"I just tried to tell him to stay mentally strong," Sanders said. "I saw the look in in his eyes when he was on the ground and he was really heartbroken."

If a season-ending setback, this marks the second year in a row that Lattimore has had a productive campaign cut short due to a knee injury.

Lattimore suffered a knee injury in last October's win against Mississippi State, ending his season after seven games. At the time, Lattimore was one of the nation's leading rushers with 818 yards.

Lattimore had gained 597 rushing yards heading into Saturday's game despite rushing for only 13 yards in last Saturday's loss to Florida. Before the injury, Lattimore had rushed for 64 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries.

As South Carolina's medical personnel began treating the injury, a significant number of Lattimore's teammates walked off the sidelines and onto the field in a gesture of solidarity for one of the team's unquestioned leaders.

Those players were then joined by a number of players off of Tennessee's sidelines, providing a touching show of support for Lattimore.

Lattimore remained on the turf, immobile, for several minutes while under the care of USC's medical team. Eventually, Lattimore was placed onto a cart and driven off the field, his head covered in a towel, to one last roar from the crowd.

Lattimore, along with his family, was taken to a local hospital.

The injury let to outpourings on Twitter, too, with reaction from LSU coach Les Miles, Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III and former teammate Melvin Ingram, who plays for the San Diego Chargers.